2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid

The 2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid enters the new model year without any changes. With the death of the all-electric Clarity Electric last year, the plug-in hybrid variant is the only model in the lineup that can travel on electricity, albeit for just 48 miles.

While not as impressive as a fully-electric vehicle, the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid continues to provide consumers with the best of both worlds – electric range when you can use it and gasoline for longer trips. While not the segment leader in any category, the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is still plenty competitive in today’s electrified landscape.

The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is available in two trims: Plug-In Hybrid and Touring. Prices start at $34,355 including destination and go up to $37,555, which are identical to last year.

All Clarity Plug-In Hybrid comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 212 horsepower. A continuously variable automatic transmission helps send power to the front wheels. The electrified sedan also utilizes a 17-kWh battery pack and a 6.6-kW onbaord charger.

The EPA rates the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid to get 42 miles per gallon combined, or 110 miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe). It can travel 48 miles on electricity and has a total range of 340 miles.

The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid offers seating for up to five passengers and 36.2 inches of rear leg room. The trunk is capable of holding 15.5 cubic feet of cargo.

Every Clarity Plug-In Hybrid comes with Honda’s suite of driver assist safety features called Honda Sensing. It includes lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.

Last year saw the introduction of an audible alert system when the vehicle is driving on electricity to help other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists hear the vehicle.

The base Clarity Plug-In Hybrid comes with an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth, HD radio, satellite radio, an eight-speaker audio system, and two front USB ports. If you’re looking for a navigation system, voice recognition, or HD digital traffic, you have to move up to the Touring trim.

The base Clarity Plug-In Hybrid comes with a variety of standard features that help justify its relatively high price tag. Push button start, remote keyless entry, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are standard. On the outside, it comes with automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

For the extra money, the Touring adds perforated leather upholstery, navigation, a four-way power passenger seat, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Compare Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Trims Side-By-Side